Letter from the Class of 2019

House Democratic LeadershipU.S. House of RepresentativesWashington, DC 20515December 3, 2018House Democratic Leadership,On November 6, 2018, the people of the United States elected an historic class of Democrats. Inan election with significant turnout, the American people placed their faith in each of us, with theexpectation that we will restore normal order, deliver results, and work towards a more perfectunion.As a whole, the more than sixty newly-elected Democratic Members comprise the most diverseclass in our nationas history. We have the highest number of women ever elected to the U.S.House of Representatives, including our first Native American and Muslim women Members,the most LGBTQIA Members, and the largest incoming class of veterans in nearly a decade.More than two-thirds of our class were elected in Republican-held districts, demonstrating theimportance of addressing concerns that cross party lines. Our incoming class will make up morethan a quarter of the entire Democratic Caucus, representing the largest Democratic gains in theU.S. House of Representatives since Watergate.We are a diverse group. Politically and ideologically, we have different views. But make nomistake, the undersigned are united in the belief that our class has a responsibility and mandatefor change in the U.S. Congress. We are united in the belief that change means restoring a senseof integrity to the work of the U.S. Congress. We are united in the belief that all people,regardless of background or circumstance, deserve a fair shake -- no more, but no less. We areunited in the belief that whatever the differences we may have with our Republican colleagues, itis our solemn responsibility to debate and pass legislation that improves the lives of those whoelected us. And despite how the media may focus on our differences, we are united in the beliefthat the diversity of our Caucus makes us stronger, not weaker.For the success of the 116th Congress, the undersigned therefore urge our leadership to adopt thefollowing approaches:On the legislative agenda, we must heed the call from our constituents. While we have a duty toexercise oversight over the Executive Branch, particularly when the Administration crosses legallines or contravenes American values, we must prioritize action on topics such as the cost ofhealthcare and prescription drugs, our crumbling infrastructure, immigration, gun safety, theenvironment, and criminal justice reform. In order to maximize progress on these topics, many of

the undersigned have already called for a comprehensive anti-corruption and campaign financereform bill to be the first item addressed by the 116th Congress. While we may not always agreeon how to approach every issue, we are united in the belief that we have a mandate to debate,draft, and work across the aisle to pass legislation. In order to ensure that the legislative prioritiesof our constituents are heard, even as the junior-most Members of the Caucus, we requestmonthly meetings with the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Whip, on the legislative priorities ofthis incoming class.On committee representation, we respectfully request that members of our incoming class beassigned to the exclusive committees of Appropriations, Rules, Ways and Means, Energy andCommerce, and Financial Services. The voters have asked for our voices to be heard, and to dothat, this class must be a driving force in drafting legislation with far-reaching economicimplications for the country. For the Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus,which determines committee assignments and helps determine both the message and messengersof the Democratic Caucus, we request that our incoming class be represented by two electedfirst-term members, instead of one. And in order to expand transparency of the work of the U.S.Congress to the American people, we ask that leadership consider holding Committee hearingsoutside of Washington whenever possible. Citizens across the country should have theopportunity to attend hearings that impact their lives.On changing internal rules, we respectfully request that in the spirit of transparency and commonsense, bills be available for review 72 hours before they can proceed to a vote. Members on bothsides of the aisle need adequate time to actually read the legislation that they will be voting on.In an effort to prevent continued legislative gridlock, and to move legislation that has broadsupport, we ask that a bill that receives 290 cosponsors be prioritized for floor consideration byDemocratic Leadership. To expand those who can introduce legislation that gets to the floor, weask that committees hold regular, scheduled hearings where all Members -- regardless of theirtenure or position -- are able to publicly provide their legislative proposals in an open setting.Given our desire to get to work quickly, we ask that every Committee designate a MemberServices staff member to help new Members increase our immediate effectiveness.We also ask that Congressional schedules are established well in advance and to every extentpossible, are adhered to. As we were elected based on our increased accessibility and ourpromise to make Washington work for everyday Americans, it is imperative that we be able totravel home reliably for planned events in our districts. Having a set calendar will facilitate thenecessary balance between our Washington, home district, and personal obligations, enabling allMembers to be more effective lawmakers and representatives.

We are united in our belief that the 116th Congress, and the American people we were elected torepresent, will be better served by these changes. We look forward to discussing these requestswith Leadership at the earliest possible date.Signed:1. Colin Allred